Post by drcard on Aug 10, 2021 7:22:36 GMT -5
Do You Need a VPN?
Overview:
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a security feature that protects your data while using the Internet. The following explains what it is, how it works, when you need to use it, how to set one up, and the problems associated when using a VPN.
What is a VPN
A private network is a connection between 2 or more PCs which all communications between the PCs can’t be viewed by any other PCs except those on the private network. Usually such networks are not connected to the Internet for security reasons. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is like a private network in keeping all the communications private, but is connected to the Internet.
How a VPN Works
A VPN is set up between your PC and a VPN server (PC programed for VPN service). Once set up, all your Internet communications (web pages, logins, etc.) will be thru that VPN server. The web page sends the data to the VPN server and the VPN server encrypts the data and sends it to your PC which decrypts the data and displays it. Any data you send (such as account passwords) is encrypted before it is sent to the VPN. Thus, all your communications on the Internet are encrypted so if intercepted will still be secure. Also, web sites will not know your IP address because it sends everything to the IP address of the VPN server.
As expected, such service usually requires payment for use of the VPN server; but you may already have paid for it or the costs are fairly low. Most major anti-malware companies offer a VPN service with their all in one security suites. There are companies that offer only the VPN service and can provide the service for as little as $2 per month.
When a VPN is Needed
A VPN is needed when there is an increased chance that your communications can be monitored AND you are transmitting private data (password, account numbers, etc.). There is very little chance of your communications being monitored at home behind your router’s security unless you live close enough to your neighbors (such as apartments) to pick up your PC/router Wi-Fi signals AND use weak Wi-Fi security between your router and your PC. The greatest chance of your communications being monitored is on a public Wi-Fi network such as coffee shops, libraries, parks, hotels, etc. Even if your communications are being monitored, you don’t need a VPN unless you will visit web sites that require logins and passwords. There is no profit in hacking a user's google search for show times or restaurants.
If you are on a public network and plan to enter private data, you need a VPN to protect your data.
If you think someone can monitor your Wi-Fi connection even on your home network and you will be entering private data, you need a VPN to protect your data.
How To Set Up a VPN
Windows 10 has a VPN settings section. This is NOT a VPN service and is there to manually set up a VPN, which I suggest users should not do. It is best to have the app for the VPN service you purchased to set up the VPN. Most VPN service apps set up the VPN with a single click of a button. Be sure to note how to turn the VPN off.
Problems Associated with Using a VPN
The VPN adds another connection and encryption process which increases the amount of data transmitted. On slower connections (like public networks), a VPN will make the connection seem even slower. The effects of a VPN are hardly noticeable on a high speed connections. Some web pages will prevent the use of VPN servers and require the user’s use their true IP address. These type web pages are not very common, but you may have to turn off the VPN to gain access to those web pages.
Final Note:
This was for information and I do not endorse one VPN service over the other. The VPN I use comes with my Norton Security Suite and it works very well.
Overview:
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a security feature that protects your data while using the Internet. The following explains what it is, how it works, when you need to use it, how to set one up, and the problems associated when using a VPN.
What is a VPN
A private network is a connection between 2 or more PCs which all communications between the PCs can’t be viewed by any other PCs except those on the private network. Usually such networks are not connected to the Internet for security reasons. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is like a private network in keeping all the communications private, but is connected to the Internet.
How a VPN Works
A VPN is set up between your PC and a VPN server (PC programed for VPN service). Once set up, all your Internet communications (web pages, logins, etc.) will be thru that VPN server. The web page sends the data to the VPN server and the VPN server encrypts the data and sends it to your PC which decrypts the data and displays it. Any data you send (such as account passwords) is encrypted before it is sent to the VPN. Thus, all your communications on the Internet are encrypted so if intercepted will still be secure. Also, web sites will not know your IP address because it sends everything to the IP address of the VPN server.
As expected, such service usually requires payment for use of the VPN server; but you may already have paid for it or the costs are fairly low. Most major anti-malware companies offer a VPN service with their all in one security suites. There are companies that offer only the VPN service and can provide the service for as little as $2 per month.
When a VPN is Needed
A VPN is needed when there is an increased chance that your communications can be monitored AND you are transmitting private data (password, account numbers, etc.). There is very little chance of your communications being monitored at home behind your router’s security unless you live close enough to your neighbors (such as apartments) to pick up your PC/router Wi-Fi signals AND use weak Wi-Fi security between your router and your PC. The greatest chance of your communications being monitored is on a public Wi-Fi network such as coffee shops, libraries, parks, hotels, etc. Even if your communications are being monitored, you don’t need a VPN unless you will visit web sites that require logins and passwords. There is no profit in hacking a user's google search for show times or restaurants.
If you are on a public network and plan to enter private data, you need a VPN to protect your data.
If you think someone can monitor your Wi-Fi connection even on your home network and you will be entering private data, you need a VPN to protect your data.
How To Set Up a VPN
Windows 10 has a VPN settings section. This is NOT a VPN service and is there to manually set up a VPN, which I suggest users should not do. It is best to have the app for the VPN service you purchased to set up the VPN. Most VPN service apps set up the VPN with a single click of a button. Be sure to note how to turn the VPN off.
Problems Associated with Using a VPN
The VPN adds another connection and encryption process which increases the amount of data transmitted. On slower connections (like public networks), a VPN will make the connection seem even slower. The effects of a VPN are hardly noticeable on a high speed connections. Some web pages will prevent the use of VPN servers and require the user’s use their true IP address. These type web pages are not very common, but you may have to turn off the VPN to gain access to those web pages.
Final Note:
This was for information and I do not endorse one VPN service over the other. The VPN I use comes with my Norton Security Suite and it works very well.